Parent Activity Committee (PAC)

“To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.” — St. Teresa of Calcutta

The GTACS Parent Activity Committee encourages parent participation in a variety of sponsored functions throughout the year and believes that parent engagement increases active participation, communication and collaboration between parents and schools.

Why volunteer? Parent volunteers offer a huge resource and support base for the school community while showing their kids the importance of participating in the larger community. Not only will the school reap the benefits of your involvement — you will, too. By interacting with teachers, administrators, and other parents on a regular basis, you’ll gain a firsthand understanding of your child’s daily activities. Whether your kids are just starting kindergarten or entering the final year of high school, there are many good reasons for parents to volunteer at school. I don’t have much free time to volunteer, how can I get involved?

Volunteering ranges from sending in a much needed classroom supply to baking for staff. There are almost always volunteer opportunities. The PAC welcomes grandparents and other immediate family members to participate. To get involved, contact your schools PAC representative, listed below:

GTACS Staff Christmas Party. Historically, the GTACS staff Christmas party was held in the cafeteria. This year, though, in an effort to allow dining services and custodial staff members to relax and enjoy the festivities, the staff party will be held on Friday December 15 at Kirkbride Hall in the Grand Traverse Commons. Volunteers are needed for set up, serving and clean-up. For a details, visit signup.com.

Monday Morning Meeting Meal. This is for an administrative meeting that occurs every Monday while school is in session. PAC supplies a breakfast item as a “thank you” to those who serve in making the big decisions for our four schools. Volunteers sign up to drop off a breakfast item for 8 people at 9 am on Monday to the St. Francis High School office. One person in the group is gluten-free. No paper products or utencils are required. Sign up here! http://signup.com/go/oaAdFFE

Candy Cane Shop. The Candy Cane Shop started over thirty years ago as a way to help cultivate the spirit of giving in our youngest students. Teachers send K-8 students to shop independently for small, affordable gifts for family members. Preschool students may shop when escorted by a family member. This kid-favorite event needs lots of help to be successful–coordinators to shop for and price inventory, and volunteers to shop with students, wrap and package gifts, and cashier the purchases. Teachers sign up for a certain time slot to send students to the shop, and volunteer shifts are arranged around those schedules. Volunteers also donate time to help set up, decorate and tear down the shops. The shops all accept donations of wrapping supplies and small gift items.

Volunteers are needed for gift wrapping, helping our little shoppers, running the cashier or shopping items for the “store”.